Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 4 Review: Game Night

Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 4, “Game Night,” reminds us that with great hosting power comes great responsibility as Gregory steps outside his comfort zone to orchestrate a game night for the group. Meanwhile, Barbara, Ava, Melissa, and Mr. Johnson find themselves in the fifth circle of hell, aka the DMV. It’s another banger for the comedy series, marking a winning streak in the show’s landmark Season 5. 

A Juggling Act on Abbott Elementary

Normally, one watches a sitcom with multiple episodic plotlines, and there’s a clear distinction in strength between the A and B arcs. You can’t always switch them and get that same quality. However, “Game Night” boasts two storylines that are equally strong and hilarious on their own.

Gregory’s game night is lighter on the chaos, but the comedy comes from Gregory’s unique takes on hosting a relaxed get-together between friends in his “sterile” apartment. The DMV story is heavier on the chaos, though, with more one-liners and verbal gags. In fact, “Game Night” is proof positive that the creative team is truly firing on all cylinders this season. There are more jokes packed into each scene, giving off very subdued 30 Rock vibes (without the laundry list of pop culture references). 

Additionally, Season 5 taps into that creative wellspring with more running gags. “Game Night” leans into the “comedy comes in threes” rule with the bird joke. The cold open has the bird breaking into the school gym. Then, there’s a pigeon that Gregory inadvertently lets into his apartment. Lastly, the final scene sees a bird flying through a news studio during a segment on the Bayou Bruiser (ahem, Mr. Johnson). It’s a fun bit. 

Really, it’s Abbott Elementary‘s sharpest, tightest season thus far. “Game Night” leans into the show’s strengths, never letting its foot off the gas as it maintains a steady pace throughout. Bolstered by clever dialogue and a strong ensemble of comedic performances, it’s a bona fide delight to watch. Speaking of performances…

There’s Always a Tammy or Two 

Guest star Maria Russell is hilarious in “Game Night” as Tammy, the hapless, beleaguered DMV employee who causes issues for our Abbott staff. She plays prickly and stiff well, with a pinch of straight man for good measure. You also get the sense that Tammy is a powder keg — she might explode at any moment. So much of the comedy in the DMV story hinges on Russell’s performance and how the cast bounces off of her. She’s a solid anchor in that regard. 

Tyler James Williams leans into Gregory’s immense growth since the character started dating Janine. It’s fun to watch Gregory try to loosen up a bit as he embarks on this hosting endeavor. Gregory’s endearing quirks and his purely logistical approach to party planning are so funny. Williams deftly portrays Gregory outside his element here. 

Then, there’s Lisa Ann Walter, who’s never funnier than when she goes big in a scene. She plays rage like a pro, and Melissa’s anger at bureaucratic red tape should profoundly resonate with viewers.

Quinta Brunson continues to inject Janine with more relatable layers. Janine desperately tries to keep Gregory happy and not shame him for his hosting blunders, which is a trauma response. She took care of her estranged mother and sister, and this role as a caretaker bleeds into her relationships. Even something as silly as allowing folks to use her shirt as a towel is indicative of this. Brunson locks into this. 

Chickpea Chips and Blue Ink

“Game Night” is another solid installment in the Abbott Elementary canon, providing hilarious escapism and jokes aplenty. Note to self: bring pillows and actual potato chips to Gregory’s game nights. 

Stray Observations: 

• I’d vote for Barbara if she ran for office. She has charm and warmth in spades. 
• We’ll never, ever learn Mr. Johnson’s real name — and I’m okay with that. In other lore expansion news, color me unsurprised that he wrestles alligators as a pastime. 
• I would watch the hell out of a buddy comedy spin-off movie with Mr. Johnson and Mr. Ronson. Perhaps an origin story about how they met and how Mr. J saved Mr. R. 
• Ava’s face card will never decline. That’s just a straight-up fact. 
• Janine reading Highlights in the dentist’s office is so on-brand for her. And you can bet that those magazine copies are circa 1999. 

---

What did you think of this episode of Abbott Elementary? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!

Critic Rating:

Audience Rating:

 

Abbott Elementary drops new episodes every Wednesday at 8:30/7:30c on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu. 

Check out our latest TV recommendations, updated weekly!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!